Having a truck and knowing how to drive one with a manual pick-up often forms the trending topic of any gathering. But, what many truck owners do not understand is that the open cargo hold of a truck is both a boon and a bane. While the open back does have a lot of aesthetic and childhood memories associated with it, in terms of functionality the very open space makes transportation a difficult task.
As means of addressing this issue, truck owners can turn to a tonneau cover. But then, you will end up asking yourself – is the investment worth it? To answer it in simple terms then yes, investing in a good quality tonneau cover has loads of benefits. When talking of covers, one can argue about the benefits and low-budget and low-maintenance options that are present in a tarpaulin sheet, but if you are looking for long term benefit, you will find the purchase of a tonneau cover to be more beneficial.
Benefits of Tonneau Cover
The very first and foremost reason is the aesthetic appeal that a tonneau cover adds to your pick-up truck. If you are tired of carrying or having a tarpaulin sheet over your cargo hold everytime you want to pull up outside a friend’s place, then investing in a tonneau cover will be one of the best decisions you make.
A second advantage is the fact that the open space inside your pick-up truck offers no protection from rain, ash or any other such elements. Hence if your cargo consists of valuables like documents and furniture, they can get marred as soon as there is heavy rainfall. But with an effective tonneau cover on top, all weather can prevented from deteriorating these items.
The third advantage of tonneau covers is in terms of security and safety. With the open space inside a pick-up truck, there is no scope to keep things safe and secure. However, when you have a quality tonneau cover that is tightly locked into place, then theft will simply not be an option.
The Installation Process of Tonneau Cover
Another highlight for choosing the right tonneau cover, therefore, becomes its ease of use during installation. If one has ever installed a tarpaulin sheet on top of your cargo hold before driving anywhere, they would know how cumbersome it can be to fit the sheets snugly without any wrinkles or marks showing them out. But with high-quality tonneau covers available at affordable prices today, you will not need any expert help to install them. There are also certain accessories available online that will assist you in the installation process of your tonneau cover.
The Maintenance of Tonneau Covers
Like an automobile, even a truck needs routine care and maintenance. So one question that many prospective buyers ask is about how easy it is to maintain their tonneau covers once they have been installed. Put simply, maintaining a high-quality tonneau cover can be as difficult or as simple as you want it to be. The first advantage here is the fact that there are no special tools required for cleaning them up. As long as you have a hose around, all it takes is 10 minutes to let the dust settle and the tonneau cover to look as good as new. The other advantage is that a high-quality tonneau will not require you to reapply any chemicals or protective coatings, ever.
In terms of functionality and usability, it does not get better than a tonneau cover for your pick-up truck. From preventing theft to keeping the cargo safe from inclement weather, this add on for your vehicle brings in an array of benefits to make it one of the topmost accessories for trucks owners.
Tonneau Cover or Tarpaulin Sheet – Which One to Choose
As mentioned above, opting for a tonneau sheet over a tarpaulin might sound like an expensive move but given the sturdiness of the tonneau cover, you can find its usage especially if you are a long-distance traveller and caring cargo for delivering. A tarpaulin sheet does have its benefits but they are at their best when used for a shorter time and tucked in tightly. The measurements of the tarpaulin sheet will depend on the perimeter of the cargo space of your truck and honestly, nobody can claim a perfect fit when it comes to buying a tarpaulin sheet. On the other hand, opting for a tonneau cover will give you the exactly fitted lid that will provide great protection.
Another issue faced by long-distance delivery trucks is that the weather can wreak havoc on the consignment. A sunny day comes with the dangers of too much exposure to the sun and dirt covering every inch of the luggage. Rain or snow does cause a mental breakdown in truck drivers. And, even if the truck is for personal use, keeping any luggage at the cargo end can have you get robbed. A tarpaulin sheet offers no such security against thefts or weatherproofing solutions.
When opting for a tonneau cover, you are investing in security, durability, better organization of items and credibility. Having a good reputation as a delivery agent will improve your credibility and that will be a positive impact on your finances. And speaking of finances, the way a tonneau cover is built, the cover provides lesser dragging or air that further improves mileage and gas usage.
Is It Worth It?
Being made of sturdy yet light material, the tonneau covers are also made keeping in mind the aesthetics of the truck. Investing in a tonneau cover might seem like a big leap, but even as a non-commercial truck owner, your vehicle’s safety and the proper carrying capacity of your luggage should be the foremost concern, and, this cover ticks all the boxes.
